Peroral endoscopic myotomy for achalasia cardia: Treatment analysis and follow up of over 200 consecutive patients at a single center

Dig Endosc. 2016 Jan;28(1):19-26. doi: 10.1111/den.12495. Epub 2015 Jul 30.

Abstract

Background and aim: Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a recently introduced technique for the treatment of achalasia cardia (AC). Data regarding safety and efficacy are still emerging. We report our experience of POEM emphasizing its safety, efficacy and follow-up data.

Methods: Patients with AC (220; mean age 39 years, range 9-74 years) underwent POEM from January 2013 to August 2014 for AC. Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was done. POEM was carried out by the standard technique of mucosal incision, submucosal tunneling, and myotomy of the esophageal and gastric muscle bundles followed by closure of the mucosal incision by hemoclips. Eckardt score, high-resolution manometry (HRM) and timed barium esophagogram (TBE) were used to evaluate the results. Post-procedure patients were followed up.

Results: Technical success rate of POEM was 96%. At 1 year, clinical success rate was 92%. Mean Eckardt score was 7.2 ± 1.55 prior to POEM and 1.18 ± 0.74 after POEM (P = 0.001). There was significant improvement of esophageal emptying on TBE (38.4 ± 14.0 % vs 71.5 ± 16.1 % (P = 0.001). Pre-procedure and post-procedure mean lower esophageal sphincter pressure was 37.5 ± 14.5 mmHg and 15.2 ± 6.3 mmHg, respectively. (P = 0.001) Erosive esophagitis was seen in 16% of patients who underwent POEM. There were no major adverse events.

Conclusions: Study demonstrates excellent safety profile of POEM with significant relief of symptoms, reduced pressure at HRM and improved emptying at TBE. Further prospective studies are required to compare with other treatment modalities.

Keywords: Achalasia cardia; Minimally invasive surgery; POEM; Per oral endoscopic myotomy; natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Child
  • Esophageal Achalasia / diagnosis
  • Esophageal Achalasia / physiopathology
  • Esophageal Achalasia / surgery*
  • Esophageal Sphincter, Lower / physiopathology
  • Esophageal Sphincter, Lower / surgery*
  • Esophagoscopy / methods*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Manometry
  • Middle Aged
  • Natural Orifice Endoscopic Surgery / methods*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult